First Skybus Cornwall to Gatwick flight takes off

The first flight between Cornwall and London operated by airline Skybus has taken place on Sunday.

The airline agreed a short-term deal to run the service between Cornwall Airport Newquay and London Gatwick following the collapse of Easter Airways last month.

The daily year-round route is subsidised by the Government and Cornwall Council due to its economic importance, and is covered by a Public Service Obligation (PSO).

Councillor Leigh Frost, leader of Cornwall Council, said he was "delighted" to find a replacement operator so quickly and "even more so to see a Cornish company stepping in".

Skybus is running the service on a short-term agreement

Skybus currently runs services to the Isles of Scilly, with flights from Newquay, Land's End and Exeter, and is owned by the Isles of Scilly Steamship Company (ISSC) which also runs boat services to the islands.

Frost said: "It has been a difficult time, with disruption for many people who use the service and had already booked flights, so I am pleased this announcement will help end the uncertainty around this vital connection to the capital."

Councillor Tim Dwelly, portfolio holder for economic regeneration and investment, added: "Our priority was to get the service back up and running as quickly as possible to minimise disruption for passengers.

"Restoring this route helps maintain the confidence of business and tourism sectors, and it's welcome that a Cornish company has the capability to step in and deliver during this interim period."

The 12 passengers booked on the first Gatwick Skybus flight had room to spare on the 180 seat Boeing 737 which took off from Newquay at about 15:40 GMT.

Skybus said it would transition to a 78 seater turboprop Q400 aircraft early next month, and services would increase to twice daily from mid-February.

Jonathan Hinkles, managing director of Skybus, said: "We are thrilled to launch this new service between Cornwall and London Gatwick.

"It is not just about making travel easier for passengers; it's about creating opportunities – for businesses, for tourism, and for the local communities we serve."

Cornwall Council owns the airport site and oversees the process of finding a new operator for the PSO route.

The council said last month the tendering process to find an operator for the next four years was underway.